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Post by librarylady on Jun 13, 2016 22:41:13 GMT
My 2 sisters and I are planning a fall adventure.
We are flying into Vancouver--taking the train to Banff and then driving back to Vancouver.
Can anyone give us advice on how long this might take? We want to stop and enjoy the views from time to time.
The internet says it is a 535 miles, but since it is through the mountains we know it will take more time than flat prairie driving.
Advice on where to stop?
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valincal
Drama Llama
Southern Alberta
Posts: 5,768 
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Post by valincal on Jun 13, 2016 22:52:55 GMT
It's Banff.  Probably close to a 10-hour drive but very scenic! |
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Post by bc2ca on Jun 13, 2016 23:50:32 GMT
Are you trying to do it all in a day? I agree with valincal , it is at least a 10 hour drive. It's been 20 years since DH and I drove from Vancouver to Banff & back. We did a circle, taking the south route along Hwy 3 through Grand Forks and up through Cranbrook to Fairmont Hot Springs and then Banff. Our route home was along the Trans-Canada most of the way. I remember stopping for a great lunch in Revelstoke and then we stayed with friends near Sicamous. Since the train basically follows this route, you might want to look into taking the south route back for different, but equally spectacular, scenery. Either Radium or Fairmont Hot Springs are worth a stop for the pools. Another suggestion is to take Hwy 1 to Sicamous and then head south to Kelowna instead of west to Kamloops (I'm assuming your train stops there for the night on your way to Banff). Either stay the night or continue on to Vancouver through the Okanagan Valley to Penticton and hooking up to Hwy 3, or cut across from Kelowna to rejoin Hwy 5 which takes you to Hwy 1 and into Vancouver. It sounds like a great trip you're planning! |
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Post by seikashaven on Jun 13, 2016 23:57:01 GMT
10+ hours for sure.
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Post by JBeans on Jun 14, 2016 2:02:50 GMT
If you are planning to take your time coming back, stopping for roadside attractions, be prepared for it to take 2 or 3 days.
Winding roads will definitely slow you down too.
Do you have any must see stops on your list?
Lake Louise is a beautiful stop. Revelstoke, The Last Spike, The Okanagan. Crowsnest Pass. There are a lot of rest stops along the way that are nice to just stop, stretch your legs and take in the view.
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Post by bunnyhug on Jun 14, 2016 2:27:16 GMT
And the 10+ hours estimate doesn't include any accidents. On the highways through the mountains, there really aren't any detours available, so if there's an accident, traffic will be slowed or stopped until everything is cleared. We spent about 4 hours at Revelstoke a couple years ago waiting for the Kelowna highway to reopen. Even if it's a busy time on the highways, the sheer volume of vehicles and the lack of passing lanes can slow things, too--it only takes one overly cautious senior citizen in a giant motor home to back things up considerably! I'd split the trip into two days if you want time to stop and explore ...
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Post by lesleyanne on Jun 14, 2016 2:45:51 GMT
I've driven it many times, straight. I live in Calgary, which is about 1.25 hour drive time to Banff. Calgary to Vancouver is 10 hours total. Banff to Van is 9 hours. Also, this may be slightly shorter or slightly longer depending on where you are actually going in the Lower Mainland.
Now, that said. You will stop and see lots of great stuff I hope. It's not a bad run except the Coquihalla pass. Blah. So if I were you I'd do it over two days. If you like to hike or even just walk there are a number of fantastic boardwalks in the parks. Make sure you buy a park day pass if you plan on stopping. If you're driving right through you do not need one.
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Post by librarylady on Jun 14, 2016 2:52:58 GMT
It's Banff. Probably close to a 10-hour drive but very scenic! Spelling--that's what happens without my reading glasses! |
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Post by scrapmaven on Jun 14, 2016 3:17:15 GMT
I did this as a child. I don't have advice, but can tell you it was a beautiful drive and everyone in the car enjoyed it immensely. I have a picture of the big brown bear that had traffic stopped for miles, because he was just hanging out in the middle of a 2 lane road. Everyone on the road had their cameras out and had fun watching him.
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Post by JBeans on Jun 14, 2016 3:29:09 GMT
And the 10+ hours estimate doesn't include any accidents. On the highways through the mountains, there really aren't any detours available, so if there's an accident, traffic will be slowed or stopped until everything is cleared. We spent about 4 hours at Revelstoke a couple years ago waiting for the Kelowna highway to reopen. Even if it's a busy time on the highways, the sheer volume of vehicles and the lack of passing lanes can slow things, too--it only takes one overly cautious senior citizen in a giant motor home to back things up considerably! I'd split the trip into two days if you want time to stop and explore ... That was sorta on my mind too. Also construction. There is a major highway project over a number of years. |
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Post by vjlau on Jun 14, 2016 3:31:14 GMT
I've done it a few times. 10 hours minimum. That's not including any stops, construction, etc.
If you have the time, I'd try and do it over 2 days if not 3. Believe me, you WILL want to stop. Beautiful drive! Take the scenic route!
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lucki
Full Member
Posts: 100
Jun 26, 2014 1:07:03 GMT
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Post by lucki on Jun 14, 2016 4:07:52 GMT
I do the the drive from Banff to Vancouver several times a year. Driving time (without stopping) is 9 hours if you take Highway 1 to Highway 5 (Coquihalla) and then back on Highway 1.
We usually stop in Kamloops for the evening. From Kamloops you can take Highway 5 or continue on Highway 1. We're usually not taking the scenic route so we take Highway 5 but Highway 1 goes though the Fraser River Valley and it is gorgeous! There's a tram at Hell's Gate that allows you to cross the river and see the narrowest part of the river from above. They also sell amazing fudge. ;-)
If you are familiar with twitter, follow @drivebc for traffic updates.
Also - PLEASE be aware of the speed limits! If you are 40 km/hr over the speed limit in BC, they will impound your vehicle and there is no leniency for visitors to the province. Hopefully you are able to have a nice relaxing drive and this won't be an issue - just watch out for the speed zone changes!
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Post by scrapbookdiva on Jun 14, 2016 4:41:51 GMT
Since I live in the Columbia Valley, I agree with taking the number ninety three through Radium and Fairmont Hot Springs. The scenery is gorgeous! But I'm probably biased.  I agree with taking two days to drive no matter which route you take. |
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Post by calgaryscrapper on Jun 14, 2016 4:43:37 GMT
Check out banffteaco.com they sell real nice tea in Banff. If you go around the third week of September the larch trees might be changing color. The local farmer's market is on Wednesday's. Try Dutchmendairy.ca in Sicamous on your way back. They have yummy ice cream. If you are staying at the Banff Springs Hotel you can sign up ahead of time for the President's club program for a free upgrade of your room. Definitely stop at Lake Louise. You can rent a canoe or go with a guide on the lake in a Voyageur canoe.
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Post by hockeyfan06 on Jun 14, 2016 9:03:55 GMT
Since I live in the Columbia Valley, I agree with taking the number ninety three through Radium and Fairmont Hot Springs. The scenery is gorgeous! But I'm probably biased. I agree with taking two days to drive no matter which route you take. I would absolutely agree with scrapbookdiva and take the ninety three. We vacation in Radium/Fairmont every year and just love the area. We are leaving in July and can't wait! |
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I agree with taking two days to drive no matter which route you take. 